College Life in Memphis: Affordable Neighborhoods Where Students Really Live and Thrive

I’m Josh, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Memphis. Over the years, I’ve lived, studied, and worked in neighborhoods all across this city—from Midtown’s coffee-lined streets to the quieter corners off Park Avenue near the University of Memphis. Memphis might not always make the top of national college-town lists, but it should. It’s affordable, diverse, and full of creativity. You can eat well here without spending much, rent a decent apartment without taking on another student loan, and see live music any night of the week.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Memphis

This is a city built for students who want culture without the high price tag. The cost of living stays relatively low compared to other metro areas, and that stretches your budget for everything that matters: groceries, coffee, rent, and the occasional night out at a blues club. The mix of universities—from big research institutions to small liberal arts colleges—creates an energy that runs through its neighborhoods. You’ll find it in crowded cafés, bookshops, and on front porches where friends gather for impromptu jam sessions.

Here’s my local look at six Memphis colleges and the neighborhoods where students actually live and study.

Christian Brothers University

Christian Brothers University (CBU) is a private school in Midtown with a strong sense of community. The campus is small enough that you’ll recognize faces but close enough to the city’s main arteries that you can easily reach downtown, Overton Park, or the Highland Strip.

Central Gardens

Just west of campus, Central Gardens is full of early 1900s architecture, wide sidewalks, and front porches that make it feel like a southern small town in the middle of the city. Some of my favorite apartment viewings over the years have been in those old duplexes—wood floors, high ceilings, and just enough character to make every place unique. Rent here can be higher than other Midtown options, but you’re paying for peace and convenience.

Cooper-Young

Cooper-Young is where students go when they want to feel plugged into Memphis’s creative side. You’ll hear live music from patios, catch pop-up art markets, and run into other students at cafés or breweries. I’ve had friends from CBU rent apartments over small shops and walk to everything they needed. It’s not the cheapest neighborhood, but it’s one of the most memorable.

East Memphis

If you prefer quieter, newer housing with more amenities, East Memphis is worth the short drive. You’ll trade nightlife for space—think complexes with pools and laundry rooms instead of bars and concert venues. It’s a popular choice for graduate students or anyone with a car who wants a more predictable routine.

Rhodes College

Rhodes College sits just north of Overton Park, a spot that combines history, greenery, and walkable city life. The gothic stone campus almost looks like it belongs in another era, but the surrounding area is lively with restaurants, running trails, and art.

Voillintine-Evergreen (VECA)

VECA is ideal for students who want quiet, older homes, and a short commute. The community feels tight-knit—people wave when they see you walking a dog or riding your bike to campus. I’ve helped a few Rhodes students find rentals here, and they all said the same thing: it feels calm but never dull.

Midtown

Midtown’s stretch from Poplar to Union offers a livelier rhythm. You can find apartments in renovated homes or small complexes that keep you near shops and venues. A lot of students mix study sessions at local coffeehouses like Otherlands with live music nights at Lafayette’s. Midtown gives you options, whether you’re in the mood to work or unwind.

Crosstown

Crosstown has become one of Memphis’s standout redevelopment stories. The Crosstown Concourse anchors the neighborhood, filled with restaurants, galleries, and apartments carved out of the old Sears building. It’s full of light, space, and creative people, and it’s an electric place to lock in and study. A few Rhodes grads I know stayed here after graduation—it’s that kind of place.

University of Memphis

3720 Alumni Avenue, Memphis, TN 38152

The University of Memphis (U of M) is a major public university with students from across the state and beyond. The area surrounding it blends residential streets with student apartments, grocery stores, and the kind of small restaurants that make Memphis dining so special.

I earned my MFA in creative writing here and lived near Park Avenue. My apartment was quiet, tucked behind trees, and close enough to walk to South Highland Street for coffee or late-night snacks. That balance—the quiet of a residential block mixed with proximity to campus—is why I loved it.

University District

If you want the true college neighborhood experience, start here. Most students live in Normal Station or the surrounding University District. The Highland Strip is full of study spots and places to grab a burger or drink with friends. The rent is manageable, and you can walk to class, which matters during finals week.

East Memphis

Sherwood Forest is a pocket of East Memphis that’s popular with graduate students and teaching assistants. The houses are modest, the streets are quiet, and it feels like a real neighborhood, not just a campus extension. When I lived nearby, I appreciated being able to run errands or get groceries without fighting for parking.

Cooper-Young

Just ten minutes away, Cooper-Young offers the best mix of character and community. It’s home to writers, artists, and plenty of grad students. There’s a different rhythm here—slower, more creative. If you like conversation over coffee or want a neighborhood where people look out for one another, this is it.

Hickory Ridge / South Riverdale

A bit farther out, Hickory Ridge and South Riverdale have larger complexes and newer builds. You’ll get more space for your rent and easier parking. It’s a good match for students with cars who don’t mind a 15-minute drive.

University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)

899 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

UTHSC anchors the Medical District downtown. It’s home to medical, pharmacy, and nursing students who keep tight schedules and often need to live close to campus.

Medical District

This is where most UTHSC students settle. The proximity to labs and hospitals makes sense, and the district has grown more livable each year. Restaurants like Edge Alley and Trolley Stop Market keep late hours for students coming off shifts.

South Main

For students who crave a bit more city energy, Downtown and South Main are just west. The trolley lines and bike routes make commuting easy, and you’re surrounded by galleries, bars, and riverfront parks.

Crosstown / Central Gardens

These neighborhoods are great for older students or residents who want a calmer, more residential feel. Crosstown’s energy appeals to people who like to be around the arts. Central Gardens feels like an escape—quiet, shaded, and close enough for a short commute down Union or Poplar.

Southwest Tennessee Community College (STCC)

STCC students often juggle classes with full-time work or family life, so housing that’s affordable and convenient matters most.

South City

South City offers some of the best value for the price. Many complexes have been renovated recently, and it’s close to downtown job opportunities.

White Station

A quieter option, White Station offers reliable mid-range apartments close to retail and services.

Binghampton

Binghampton is home to artists, nonprofit workers, and students who value community. Rents vary, but the neighborhood’s creative spirit and central location make it a good pick for anyone splitting time between classes and part-time work.

LeMoyne-Owen College

807 Walker Avenue, Memphis, TN 38126

LeMoyne-Owen College, a historically Black liberal arts college in South Memphis, has deep roots in the community.

South Memphis

Soulsville’s connection to the Stax Museum gives it a rhythm that’s all its own.

Medical District

Students studying healthcare or business often commute north toward the Medical District.

Central Gardens

After graduation, many LeMoyne students transition toward this Midtown area. It’s a step up in price but also in amenities—parks, independent shops, and easy access to the rest of the city.

Local Renter Tips from a Memphis Insider

1. Tour in person. Some listings look better online than in real life. Walk around at night, check lighting, and note parking availability.
2. Talk to current students. Memphis renters are generous with advice.
3. Don’t overlook smaller landlords. Many Midtown homes are managed by locals who’ve rented to students for years.
4. Take advantage of Memphis’s affordability. Compared to cities like Nashville or Austin, your rent goes further—so budget for experiences: concerts, food, and local art.
5. Explore beyond campus. Try Crosstown’s art walks, Cooper-Young’s festival, or a show at Overton Park (formerly Levitt) Shell in Overton Park.

Wrapping Up

Memphis rewards curiosity. The more you explore, the more you find: a hidden barbecue counter inside a gas station, a mural tucked behind a coffee shop, a jazz night that costs less than a movie ticket. It’s a great place to be a student because it offers real life alongside your education—affordable apartments, good food, and a community that feels accessible.

When you’re ready to start your search, explore listings for Student Apartments in Memphis.

Chances are, your next apartment is just a few blocks from a good meal, great music, and a community that makes Memphis feel like home.